Chapter 15
My desk was still sitting in the hallway.
When I got back, my coworkers didn’t bother hiding their contempt.
Everyone knew exactly where I stood in the company.
I was nothing more than the Layton family’s lapdog.
Any courtesy shown to me was just for appearances.
I threw myself into work, and before I knew it, the day had slipped away.
I’d gotten through another day. Now, only 19 remained.
Just as I was about to leave, Camille’s call came through.
I didn’t want to answer. But I did so anyway.
“You useless mutt. Get over here… Come pick me up!”
Even through the phone, I felt like I could smell the booze.
I slid into the car and drove straight to the bar.
There, Camille swayed in the center of the dance floor.
The air hung heavy with smoke and alcohol.
Men and women gave in recklessly, each trying to drown their own burdens.
I stayed off to the side, waiting for Camille. Today, she showed up on her own.
That caught me completely off guard.
She was never without a few male models in tow before.
But even without her usual crowd, she was surrounded by men, all looking for a chance to take advantage.
I couldn’t even begin to count how many hands had touched her.
Still, she carried herself more provocatively than ever, completely unfazed.
With a blank stare, I waited patiently for her to be done.
At last, she wavered and stumbled toward me.
“Help me to my room,” she murmured.
Without a word, I escorted her upstairs to the suite I’d already arranged for her.
Just as I was turning to leave, she grabbed my art tightly.
“Max,” she said. “I want you to stay with me tonight.”
A crease formed between my brows.
Camille had always looked at me with contempt So why on earth would she want me to stay. the night?
Had she completely lost it?
Still, my revulsion for her ran far deeper than anything she’d ever felt for me.
Just looking at her made my stomach churn. How could I ever bring myself to touch her?
“You’ve had too much to drink, Ms. Layton,” I said, stepping back.
The moment I turned to leave, Camille shot to her feet and slapped me hard across the face.
“You filthy bastard. I told you to stay. Are you deaf?” +
Her eyes blazed with fury. Every inch of her face was etched with contempt.
“Damn it, Max! I really hate that fake noble act you put on!
“Why pretend to be a saint when you’re neck–deep in disgrace? Who are you trying to fool?
“You only stayed with my family because of me, didn’t you?
“Now, I’m putting myself on the line. Why don’t you have the nerve to take me?
“You’re such a pathetic loser!”
Hearing it all… I truly felt sick to my stomach.
For three years, Camille had found every possible way to humiliate me. Most of it, I endured in
silence.
But
this was something I could never accept.
How dare she claim I was head over heels for her?
She even insisted that I stayed with her family, not just for the money, but because of her.
I had no idea where she got the audacity to say such things.
“Ms. Layton, as per the contract 1 signed with Mr. Layton, my duties are confined to business affairs and your daily needs.
“With that said… this specific request falls outside those terms.
“I’m sorry.”
Camille let out a cold, mocking laugh.
“So that’s it. This is all about money, Isn’t it?
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